Location: Africa
Habitat: Grasslands and Savannas
Diet: Herbivores
Characteristic: Good eyesight used to elude danger from far away
Conservation: Least Concern
Thomson gazelles are native to Eastern Africa, particularly found in countries like Kenya and Tanzania. They inhabit open grasslands, savannas, and semi-arid regions, preferring areas with enough vegetation to feed on and open spaces to spot predators. Thomson gazelles are small to medium-sized antelopes, with males standing around 2.5-3 feet tall at the shoulder and weighing between 50 to 80 pounds. They have a light tan to reddish-brown coat, with a white belly and black stripes on their sides. Both males and females have short, curved horns. Thomson's gazelles are built for speed and agility. They have long legs and a lightweight build that allows them to run fast to escape from predators. Their large eyes provide good vision to spot danger early.
Gazelles are herbivores, primarily feeding on grasses, leaves, and herbs found in their grassland habitat.
Female gazelles give birth to a single calf after a gestation period of around 6 months. The calves are born with a camouflaged coat and can stand and run shortly after birth. Thomson gazelles are most active during the day, often feeding in the early morning and late afternoon. They usually live in herds, which helps them stay safe from predators. When a predator is spotted, they use their speed to escape in zigzag patterns.
Thomson gazelles are not considered endangered. However, they can be affected by habitat loss due to human activities. Conservation efforts focus on protecting their grassland habitats and ensuring their continued presence.